AVEE vs. DGS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

AVEE (Avantis Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity ETF) and DGS (WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund) are both Emerging Markets Diversified funds. AVEE is actively managed, while DGS is passively managed. Over the past year, AVEE returned 27.40% vs 28.60% for DGS. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AVEE charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for DGS.

Performance

AVEE vs. DGS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity ETF (AVEE) and WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with AVEE having a 15.61% return and DGS slightly higher at 16.30%.

AVEE

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 2.28%
• YTD: 15.61%
• 6M: 16.08%
• 1Y: 27.40%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DGS

• 1D: -0.18%
• 1M: 2.28%
• YTD: 16.30%
• 6M: 17.62%
• 1Y: 28.60%
• 3Y*: 16.75%
• 5Y*: 8.53%
• 10Y*: 10.20%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AVEE vs. DGS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AVEE Avantis Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity ETF	15.61%	19.80%	2.91%	6.15%
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund	16.30%	21.18%	1.13%	9.58%

Correlation

The correlation between AVEE and DGS is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 9, 2023	0.93

The correlation between AVEE and DGS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

AVEE vs. DGS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AVEE

AVEE Risk / Return Rank: 47
AVEE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
AVEE Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
AVEE Omega Ratio Rank: 46
AVEE Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
AVEE Martin Ratio Rank: 49

DGS

DGS Risk / Return Rank: 54
DGS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
DGS Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
DGS Omega Ratio Rank: 52
DGS Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
DGS Martin Ratio Rank: 56

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AVEE vs. DGS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity ETF (AVEE) and WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AVEE	DGS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	1.73	-0.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	2.39	-0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.32	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.59	2.86	-0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.06	9.43	-1.37

AVEE vs. DGS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVEE Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is comparable to the DGS Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVEE and DGS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AVEE vs. DGS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVEE drawdown since its inception was -20.21%, smaller than the maximum DGS drawdown of -61.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVEE and DGS.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVEE	DGS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.21%	-61.83%	+41.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.65%	-10.06%	-0.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.31%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.86%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.08%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.03%	-0.38%	-0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.67%	-12.56%	+8.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.41%	3.04%	+0.37%

Volatility

AVEE vs. DGS - Volatility Comparison

Avantis Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity ETF (AVEE) has a higher volatility of 8.27% compared to WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) at 7.20%. This indicates that AVEE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DGS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVEE	DGS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.27%	7.20%	+1.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.58%	14.41%	+1.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.89%	16.63%	+1.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.04%	15.13%	+1.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.04%	17.39%	-0.35%

AVEE vs. DGS - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVEE has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is lower than DGS's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVEE vs. DGS - Dividend Comparison

AVEE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.66%, less than DGS's 3.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVEE Avantis Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity ETF	2.66%	2.25%	3.26%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund	3.16%	3.45%	3.36%	4.55%	5.34%	3.98%	3.69%	3.95%	4.24%	2.81%	3.42%	3.28%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVEE and DGS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, AVEE and DGS move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, AVEE or DGS?

AVEE has higher volatility (8.27%) compared to DGS (7.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVEE dropped -20.21% vs DGS's -61.83%.

Which ETF is better, AVEE or DGS?

On 1-year performance, DGS leads with 28.60% vs 27.40% for AVEE. On fees, AVEE is cheaper at 0.42% per year. On volatility, DGS has been the lower-risk option at 7.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVEE or DGS?

Over the 1-year period, DGS has performed better with a 28.60% return vs 27.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVEE or DGS?

AVEE is cheaper with a 0.42% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DGS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVEE or DGS?

DGS has the higher dividend yield at 3.16%, compared with 2.66% for AVEE.

What is the main difference between AVEE and DGS?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for AVEE and 0.58% for DGS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 1.54), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.